5 Steps to Heart Health Through Exercise

They say it takes 21 times of doing something before it becomes a habit. Whatever you decide to do, the key is to make the commitment and do it consistently.

To start, find a time that best fits your schedule -- the time you're most likely to work out and when your energy level is highest. If you're a morning person, work out before your workday starts. For night owls, exercise can be a way to unwind in the evening.

Picking the right environment is another way to make sure you stay on course. Do you get energy from being around a lot of people? Join a workout class, group or a team sport. If you prefer to work out alone, find a quiet, safe place to do so. If the weather outside is going to stop you from exercising, have a backup plan and place to do your activity, such as walking in the mall instead of the park. A workout buddy or group is also a good idea, so there's someone to hold you accountable.

Couch Potatoes Face Danger

Sitting in front of the TV for long periods of time in your teens and 20s can do irreparable damage to the heart by the time you're in your 40s, according to findings in a paper presented at a recent American Heart Association conference. Even when the subjects later began to exercise and live a healthier lifestyle, it didn't counteract all the effects of spending time in front of the boob tube.